Two landmarked structures share this block: the former University Methodist Episcopal Church, which was reborn as the mixed-use Brooklyn Square Building by others, and the adjacent former home of the church’s pastor. The restored 1907 parsonage namesake is a Seattle box house, an architectural style popular during the city’s rapid expansion in the early- to mid-1900s.
From its welcoming, expansive front porch to distinctive communal spaces inside, this award-winning adaptive reuse project serves as the gateway to the apartment tower behind. While others said it couldn’t be done, barrientos RYAN successfully restored a notable piece of the neighborhood.
The 7-story residential tower with 120 beds, 30 dedicated as affordable, features studio and four-bedroom shared spaces. Student-specific designs include breakout areas, roommate-friendly floor plans, and study spaces. But beyond a typical dorm experience, residents also have access to a rooftop amenity space, in-unit kitchens, and thoughtful additions like bike storage, high-efficiency laundry facilities, and Xbox-equipped gaming rooms.
A courtyard connecting the old and new structures also serves as a large meeting space when folding doors at the back of the former parsonage are open to expand a smaller study area.
Gave a historic, single-family residence a second chance as a unique student space. The project team collaborated to determine how the neglected historic landmark could be incorporated into the site in a meaningful way. Today, residents of The Parsonage have access to the home-turned-student-hub and its modern meeting spaces, study and common areas. It’s now one of the complex’s distinct differentiators.
Renovations were significant, from a complete interior demolition to relocating the residence on the site to maximize area for the new building. The team responded with unique fixes as reconstruction uncovered unknown conditions, even assisting with the addition of a basement as the parsonage was relocated.
